Ferdinand on Onana’s Departure: Manchester United ‘Get Rid of a Bad Odor’

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand expressed his great relief after Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana’s loan move to Trabzonspor, stressing that the club had taken a decisive step in removing a “bad odor” that had threatened the dressing room atmosphere.

Onana, 28, joined United in the summer of 2023 from Inter Milan for £47 million, but failed to perform as expected, with fatal errors over two seasons causing him to lose his starting spot.

Coach Ruben Amorim decided to rely on Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in goal for the first three league matches of the season.

With the arrival of young Belgian goalkeeper Seneh Lammens from Royal Antwerp in the final days of the transfer window, Onana’s departure became imminent.

Trabzonspor moved quickly to complete a loan deal with United, which included covering Onana’s full salary and bonuses, making his income nearly double what he was earning at Old Trafford.

In statements on his YouTube show, Ferdinand said: “There is no debate about Onana’s departure. The club’s management has made it clear that they will not tolerate players who do not deserve their place. The era of keeping players who do not perform at the required level or lack the right character for Manchester United is over.”

He added: “For years, we have suffered from players who were a bad smell within the team due to financial mismanagement. Now, things have changed, and Onana’s departure is clear evidence that the club no longer compromises. If you are not up to the task, you will leave immediately.”

The summer transfer window saw the departure of several prominent players from Old Trafford, such as Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho, as part of a comprehensive rebuilding plan led by Amorim and the club’s management.

Ferdinand concluded: “I’m pleased with the new signings who have added pace, energy and attacking threat, but I’m even happier with the way the club has gotten rid of the wrong players. That’s the strongest message: there’s no place at Manchester United for anyone who doesn’t perform up to the standards we’ve set ourselves.”